“Guardian Sword Technique, First Form: Circular Blade Shield.”0

A barrier of Aura Blade spread in a perfect circle, covering a radius of ten meters. The moment it formed, Gilbert’s face turned pale.0

Becoming a Master at his rather old age was an achievement in itself. However, forcing his way to construct an Aura Blade in a single month had taken everything from him.0

He had damaged his own life force, exhausting himself beyond recovery, reaching a realm years ahead of when he naturally could have. In doing so, he had even sacrificed his potential as a warrior.0

Yet Gilbert had no regrets.0

I swore that I would be the sword of Clyde and the shield that guards Prince Lyon’s future.0

He had chosen to live not as a fighter, but as a knight. Not for glory, but for loyalty.0

“Really, what a boring man to the end,” Cedric snorted, half in disappointment as he watched the shield stretch above them like a dome.0

The others marveled at the strength of the barrier, but not him. For someone who had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, the sight of this Guardian Sword Technique almost felt filthy to his eyes.0

It might have seemed like a power that stood opposite to Ten Thousand Severing Strikes, focused on...0